Choose consumers over Chorus, Mr Key - Curran

Chorus’s deliberate delay tactics with the Commerce Commission are a blow to Kiwi consumers and must be condemned by the Government, says Clare Curran.

Chorus’s submission to the Commerce Commission signalled it will request a full review of the costs of its copper broadband services, potentially delaying a ruling that could affect services to consumers and the profits of other telecommunications companies.

Clare Curran says: "Chorus has already received preferential treatment by this Government for the ultra-fast broadband roll out. Labour opposed UFB being exempt from the regulations designed to protect consumers and will strongly oppose any further attempts by Chorus to undermine the Commerce Commission’s ability to do its job.

"John Key has already signalled he will legislate to stop the Commission’s proposed price determination for fear it would further slow the dismal uptake of UFB so far. He and his Ministers need to start listening to the consumers not just their corporate buddies.

"The New Zealand telecommunications market has long been skewed against the interests of household consumers. To become a truly modern country we have to acknowledge the importance of digital access and formulate policy to assist this.

"Our current Government seems to be committed to propping up commercial interests over the public good by subsidising and protecting the interests of a few big players such as Chorus.

"What happened to letting competition in the market set the playing field rather than political game playing?"